Tape dispenser



3 Sheets-Sheet 1 H. H. RABELOW ETAL TAPE DISPENSER Aug. 24, 1965 FlledAprll 6 1960 1965 H. H. RABELOW Em. 3,202,028

TAPE DISPENSER Filed April 6, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 1965 H. H. RABELOWETAL 3,202,028

TAPE DISPENSER Filed April 6, 1960 FIG.4.

RTA

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,2b2,tl28 TAFE DESPENSER HaroldH. Rahelow, Marion, and Ross Wood, Aurora, Iih, assignors to DiagraphBradley Industries, Inc., Herrin, iii, a corporation or" Missouri FiiedApr. 6, 1969, Ser. No. 28,378 iii Claims. (Cl. 83-241) This inventionrelates to tape dispensers, and more particularly to apparatus fordispensing measured lengths of tape from a roll thereof.

The invention is primarily concerned with apparatus for dispensinglengths of gumrned tape (and moistening the lengths of tape) forapplication to boxboard cartons for sealing purposes, and moreparticularly with such an apparatus comprising tape feed rolls driven byan electric motor for feeding the tape from a roll thereof over amoistener, and an automatic cutter for cutting the tape.

Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provisionof apparatus of the class described with an electrical control for themotor and cutter which functions to deenergize the motor upon deliveryof a desired length of tape and to provide a time delay between thedeenergization of the motor and the operation of the cutter such thatthe cutter does not operate until after the feed rolls have stopped. Inthis respect, it will be understood that the motor coasts for a timeafter it is deenergized and hence the feed rolls continue in operationto feed the tape for a time after the motor is deenergized, and it isimportant to delay operation of the cutter until the tape stops beingfed forward.

A further object of the invention is the provision of apparatus of theclass described adapted for dispensing either random lengths orpremeasured lengths or tape.

Typical cartons require the application of relatively long lengths oftape for sealing along the length of the carton and relatively shortlengths of tape for sealing across the width of the carton at its edges.A more specific object of the invention is the provision of an improvedtape dispenser of the class described incorporating control means whichwill permit dispensing of random lengths of premoistened tape. A furtherobject of the invention is a tape dispenser including control meanswhich may be preset for dispensing either of two lengths of tape, a longlength and a short length as required for a particular size of carton tobe taped, and which is operable to dispense either of the two presetlengths by actuating one or the other of two switches, and which is alsocapable of operation to dispense random lengths of tape so that it is anall-purpose dispenser.

It will be understood that the length of tape fed forward by the feedrolls of the apparatus is dependent upon the interval of time duringwhich the motor is in operation. In accordance with one embodiment ofthis invention, the motor time interval is determined by an electroniccontrol which includes two manually adjustable potentiometers, forpresetting the two different tape lengths, and two switches. Operationof one switch initiates operation of the dispenser to feed and cut offone of the two lengths; operation of the other switch initiatesoperation of the dispenser to feed and cut off the other of the twolengths. Random lengths may be obtained by positioning one potentiometerto its maximum length setting and positioning the other potentiometer toits minimum length setting, operating one of the switches to initiateoperation of the dispenser and operating the other switch to terminatethe operation when the desired random length has been dispensed.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafterdescribed, the scope of the invention being indicated in the followingclaims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possibleembodiments of the invention are illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a top plan View of tape dispensing apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view in cross section of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2taken on line 33 of FIG. 1 and illustrating two different operatingpositions of certain components; and,

FIGS. 4 and 5 are circuit diagrams of two embodiments of electroniccontrol means of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. l-3 of the drawings, there is indicated at 1 a casingcomprising side walls 3 and 5 connected by a bottom plate 7 and aforward end plate 9. Extending between the side walls 3 and 5 adjacenttheir rearward ends and just above the bottom of easing i is a rod Elicarrying a cradle roller 13. Alsoextending between the side walls 3 and5 forward of and higher than roller 13 is another rod 15 carrying acradle roller 16. Rollers 13 and 1d are adapted to support a roll R ofgummed tape T. The tape is wound into roll R with its gumrned face onthe inside. At the top of casing 1, slightly forward of roller 16, is apair of tape feed rolls arranged with their pass plane horizontal. Theupper feed roll is designated 17 and the lower feed roll is designated19. The tape T is unwound from roll R under and around the cradle roller16 and thence leads up to the feed rolls. The feed rolls are adapted tofeed the tape forward through a cutter C and over a moistener MS. As thetape is unreeled or stripped from roll R it undergoes an approximately180 change in direction by being pulled around roller 16 with itsgurnmed layer on the outer surface away from this roller. This actionnot only serves to remove the inherent curl from the tape, but alsofunctions to crack the dry gummed or adhesive layer, thereby to renderit more easily and rapidly soft erred by the water in moistener MS.

The lower feed roll 19 is mounted on a shaft 21. It is adapted to bepositively driven in clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 by anelectric motor M mounted between the side walls via a chain and sprocketdrive in an enclosure 27 on the side wall 3. j

The cutter C comprises a fixed shear blade 29 extending between the sidewalls and a pivoted shear blade 31 cooperable with the fixed blade toshear the tape. The pivoted blade 31 is operated by a solenoid S mountedbetween the side walls, the plunger 35 of the solenoid beingpin-connected at 37 to one end of a lever 39 pivoted on a shaft 41extending between the side walls, a link 43 connecting the other end ofthe lever and the pivoted blade 31. A spring 45 biases the lever torotate in such direction as normally to hold the pivoted blade 31 in anopen retracted position and to hold the solenoid plunger 35 in extendedposition. The arrangement is such that, when the solenoid is energized,the blade 31 is swung up to shear the strip (dashed-line position), andwhen the solenoid is deenergized the blade 31 is pulled back down by thespring 45 to its lowered retracted position (solidline position).

The tape T passes under the fixed shear blade 29 and above the pivotedshear blade 31 and thence over the moistener MS. The moistener comprisesa pair of brushes 47 extending upward from reservoir 49 adapted to 'SWCto L2.

hold water supplied thereto from a bottle 51 for moistening the tape,which passes over the upper tips of the brushes. The reservoir is shownas provided with an electrical resistance heater H for heating thewater. A pivoted guide and presser for the tape is indicated at 55.

A switch SWC is mounted on a bracket fastened to the side wall 3 inposition for actuation of its button by an ear 63 on lever 39. SwitchSWC is a normally closed switch, being closed when the lever 39 is inits retracted position and shear blade 31 is open. When the solenoid Sis energized and lever 39 is swung clockwise from its retractedposition, switch SWC is opened.

Mounted on the outside of the side wall 3 at the forward end of thecasing is a control box 65 having an inclined top panel carrying atoggle switch SWL, a pilot light L, two matched precision potentiometersPit and P2 of close tolerance linearity, and two normally openpushbutton switches SW1 and SW2. Each potentiometer P1 and P2 may beindependently manually set to any predetermined position on two scalesSCI and SCZ by positioning respective bar knobs B1 and B2 atfixed to theshafts of these potentiometers. Each of the scales SCft and SCZ iscalibrated in units denoting inch s of tape and ranging, as shown, fromsix inches to seventy-eightv inches.

Control box 65 includes the majority of the components of electroniccontrol means BC, the circuit diagram of which is shown in FIG. 4.Referring now more particularly to this figure, the various controlcomponents and their interconnection are illustrated whereby thesequential operations of motor M, solenoid S and cutter C, and theassociated switch SWC are controlled to dispense predetermined or randomlengths of moistened gummed tape T. An AC. power source for energizingthis unit is indicated at reference characters Lil and L2 which haveshunt-connected thereacross the heater unit H, a pilot light L, theprimary winding of a filament supply transformer T1, and a half-waverectifier circuit comprising a peaking resistor Rll, a dry-typerectifier RT and a capacitor C1 respectively serially connected. Thesecondary winding of transformer T1 is connected across the filamentleads of a thyratron GT described hereinafter. Two double-throw relaysK1 and K2 have one terminal of each of their actuating solenoid coilsconnected respectively by wires 67 and 69 to one terminal of each of thepush-button switches SW1 and SW2. The remaining terminals of SW1 and SW2are commonly connected to L1 via conductor 71. The other two terminalsof the coils of relays K1 and K2 are commonly connected via wires 73 and75 and the normally closed contacts of switch Provision is made for tworemote footoperated switches SWllA and SWZA which are parallel connectedas shown by the dashed lines with SW1 and SW2, respectively.

Momentary depression of switch SW1 (or SWIA) will. therefore energizethe coil of relay Kl. The lower set of contacts KlA and KiB of relay Klconstitutes a holding circuit for its relay coil by applyin via wire 77the potential of L1 directly to the top terminal of this relay coil andmaintaining it energized after switch SW1 is released. The middle set ofrelay contacts KllC and K113 is adapted to make and break the motor Menergization circuit from L1 via 77 and 79. The upper set of contactsKIE, K1? and KEG has two functions. The normally closed upper pair ofcontacts iii-F, KlG constitutes a shunting circuit for a capacitor C7;(via wires and 83), while the normally open pair of contacts KllE, Kl?selves when closed to complete an RC (resistor-condenser) D.C. chargingcircuit from C2 to Lll (via wires 81, '77 and 71). This RC circuitincludes C2 as the capacitor and either the effective resistance ofpotentiometer Fl or P2, depending on whether SW1 or SW2 has been depressed. The rotors of potentiometers Pit and P2 are commonly connectedvia wires 3 and 83 to the other side of capacitor C2 while the remainingterminals of Pi and P2 are connected by wires 87 and S9 to transfer con-J; tacts KEG and K225 of relay K2. The DC. charging circuit from eitherof these two contacts is completed via movable contact l 2? and wires 91and R3 to the positive polarity terminal of filter condenser C1 of thehalf-wave rectifier unit.

The other two sets of relay contacts of relay K2 are indicated at KZA,K23 and KZC, KZD. The former contact set is parallel-connected with theholding contacts KllA and K18 so that upon depression of switch SW2 thecoil of relay K1 will be energized from L1 via Wire 77 (assuming switchSWC is closed). The other set of contacts of relay K i.e., KZC and KZDconstitutes a holding circuit for the coil of K2.

The function of the RC circuit (C2, P1 or C2, P2) is to provide avariable time delay between the instant that SW1 (or SW2) is depressed,thereby energizing motor M, and the moment that it is desired todeenergize motor M. This is accomplished by means of gas-filledgrid-controlled rectifier or thyratron GT and a double-throw single-poleplate relay K3. Relay K3 has two fixed contacts KSA and KEG and amovable armature contact K313. The remaining terminal of motor M isconnected in a circuit with the normally closed contacts 143B, KI'EC andwires 95 and $7 to L2. Thus, if relay K3 is energized the circuit tomotor Mil will 'be broken as the K3C, K33 contacts separate. The coil ofrelay K3 is series-connected in the anode-cathode circuit of GT by meansof Wires 99 and 93 to the positive polarity of the DC. power sourceconstituted by the half-wave rectifier unit RT and its associatedcomponents C1 and RA. This anode-cathode circuit is completed to thenegative terminal of this DC. power source from the cathode of GT (whichis commonly connected to the suppressor grid thereof) by a Wire till, apotentiometer R1, a resistor R2, wire 81, contacts KlF and KTE and Wire71. The resistor R2, another fixed resistor R3 and potentiometer P2constitute a voltage divider connected across the DC. power source, therelative grid-cathode potential being determined by the positioning ofthe rotor of R1. The upper terminal of C2 is connected through aresistor R4 to the control grid of GT. It will be seen, therefore, that(depending on the positioning of R1) the control grid will have itspotential raised positively relative to the cathode of GT until a levelis reached which will trigger or fire GT. The resulting conduction ofcurrent through the anode-cathode circuit of GT will actuate relay K3and break the circuit from L2 to motor M by opening contacts KEC, K33.The parameters of C2 and P1 or P2, depending on which switch (SW1 orSW2) is actuated, and the positioning of the arm of R1 determine thetime of actuation of motor M.

An additional delay is desired between the moment motor M is deenergizedand the instant solenoid S is energized to thereby actuate cutter C tosever a length of tape T. This delay is provided by a condenser C3,asinglepole single-throw relay K4 and another halt-wave rectifiercircuit comprising a rectifier RTA and a peaking resistor R5. Thishalf-wave rectifier, which constitutes a DC. power source, is suppliedwith AC. from L2 (by wire 97 and contacts K38, KSC) and Lil (via a wire1G3, conductor 79, contacts KTC, Kit) and wires 77 and 7E). Capacitor C3is charged to the DC. potential level of the output of this latterhalf-wave rectifier after contacts KlC, KID are closed. When contactsK33, KBC are opened, capacitor C3 must discharge through the resistanceof the coil of relay K l Thus there will be a delay in deenergization ofrelay K4 until this RC circuit discharges to the point Where the levelof DC. potential across the coil of K4 drops below the fall-out point ofthe relay. When this occurs, contacts K lA and K43 will close andcomplete the circuit from wire M3 (L1 potential) to solenoid S via awire and thereby actuate cutter C. The other terminal of solenoid S isconnected by a wire 167 to lower contact 143A which is placed at L2potential by closing of movable contact KSB. As

cutter C is mechanically linked to switch SWC so as to have its contactsopened when cutter C is actuated, the connection of the L1 potential tosolenoid S (via contacts KlC, KlD) is broken by this action of SWC. Thatis, the lower terminals of the coils of relays K1 and K2 are commonlyconnected to L2 through the contacts of SWC. Deenergizing relay coil K1opens the contacts KllC and KID and removes the L1 potential from wires79, 103 and 105. Thus, solenoid S can only be momentarily energized andfor just sufiicient time to actuate cutter C.

Operation is as follows:

The two predetermined lengths of tape desired are preset by adjustingbar knobs B1 and B2 relative to scales SCI and SCZ to the respectivedilferent preselected tape lengths to be dispensed. This thenestablishes two different eifective resistance values, one at P1 and theother at P2. Assuming P1 is preset to the shorter length and SW1 (or SW1A) is momentarily depressed, the coil relay K1 will be actuated throughnormally closed switch SWC from L1 and L2. The holding circuit includingcontacts KIA and K1 3 maintain K1 energized and the closing of KiC andKID energizes the second half-wave rectifier (RT-A etc.), therebyactuating relay K4 and opening contacts K4A and K413, and at the sametime energizing motor M. The actuation of relay Kl also opens the shuntcircuit around capacitor C2 (by opening contacts KiG, Kl-F and contactsthe lower terminal of C2 to the negative terminal of Cl whichconstitutes the first DC. power source.

Motor M will continue to operate and dispense tape until thegrid-cathode potential rises positively to a level which will triggergas tube GT. The greater the eifective resistance of P1 the longer itwill take to charge C2 to this point. When GT is so caused to fire,conduction therethrough energizes plate relay K3 and-breaks the L2potential connection to motor M by opening contacts KEC and K313. MotorM will coast for a short but finite period of time before coming torest. The action of cutter C in severing the tape is therefore delayed aperiod of time just in excess of the mot-or coasting time by the delayin deenergizing relay K4 due to the discharge time constant of C3through the coil of relay K4. When the DC. potential of K4 has droppedsufficiently, contacts KdA and K413 are thus permitted to close andenergize solenoid S and actuate cutter C. The actuation of switch :SWCby rotation of lever 39 to the dasheddine position in FIG. 3 opens thenormally closed contacts of SWC and completely deenergizes all relaysKl-Kd, thereby completing one cycle of operation.

The operationin dispensing a second, and in this example a longer,length of tape as preset by bar knob B2 is quite similar. Switch SW2 ismomentarily depressed in this instance and this action energizes boththe K1 and K2 relays. The elfective greater preset resistance ofpotentiometer P2 is connected to C2 to constitute the RC circuit byoperation of the transfer contacts KZE, KZF and K26 (the first two ofthese contacts now being closed together). Thus, a second but differentand longer length of tape T corresponding to the length preset on scale8C2 is dispersed in this mode of operation.

If it is desired to dispense a random length of tape T, potentiometer P1is turned to its maximum resistance position and P2 is turned to itsminimum resistance position. Switch SW1 is depressed momentarily tostart the operation of motor M and when substantially the proper randomlength of tape is dispensed switch SW2 is depressed. The discharge timeconstant of Pl-CZ therefore is a maximum and that of PZ-CZ is a minimum.Tube GT will continue to conduct until the maximum length set on scaleP1 is reached or until SW2 is pressed, which will practicallyimmediately trigger tube GT and stop motor M, the delayed cutting actionof C following thereafter. 7

The FIG. 5 control embodiment operates similarly to that describedabove, but is somewhat simplified. The

gas tube GT and the alternate RC circuits of Pl-CZ and PZ-CZ areeliminated as are the relays K1 and K2. This FIG. 5 control is designedfor dispensing random lengths of tape T and provides for the delaybetween the deactuation of motor M and the initiation of the action ofcutter C. A spring return type double-pole double-throw switch SW3 isutilized in this species of the invention to control the operation ofthe dispenser. Contacts SWSA and SWSB when closed together initiateenergization of motor M and the half-wave rectifier circuit constitutedby RS and RTA. The charging of capacitor C3, as noted above in regard tothe FIG. 4 control species, energizes the coil of relay K4 and opens itscontacts K4A, K413. Actuation of switch SW3 also energizes the coil of asingle-throw double-pole relay K5 by the closing of contacts SW35 andSW3E. Thus, the upper terminal of the coil of K5 is energized atLlpotential and the lower terminal thereof at L2 potential (via a wire1G9, normally closed switch SWC and a wire 111). The upper set of relaycontacts KSA and KSB, when closed directly applies the L1 potential tothe top terminal of the coil of K5 and thereby serves as a holdingcircuit to maintain K5 energized after release of switch SW3 (but onlyuntil switch SWC opens).

Aiter substantially the desired length of tape T is dispensed, switchSW3 is released and returns to the position shown. Motor M is thusimmediately deenergized (by opening of contacts SW3A, SW3B) andcondenser C3 begins discharging through the resistance of the coil ofrelay K5. After this time delay, which is sufiicient to permit motor Mto come to a complete stop, relay K5 will drop out, closing its contactsKSA, KSB, and will thereby apply L2 potential to the lower terminal ofsolenoid S (via a wire 113). The upper terminal of solenoid S isenergized at the L1 potential by means of a conductor 115, closedcontacts KSC and KSD of relay K5 and the now reclosed contacts SWEC andSW3D of Switch SW3. This energization of solenoid S actuates cutter C tosever the tape T and also actuates switch SWC to an open position whichbreaks the circuit from L2 to the lower terminal of the coil of relayK5. The deenergization of K5 opens the lower set of contacts KSC and KSDwhich function to prevent immediate reactuation of solenoid S.

It will be understood that a DC. type motor could be used in place ofAC. motor M, and that L1, L2 could be used to supply DC. In that event,no rectifiers or transformers would be needed and the relays would be ofthe DC. type.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above construotions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

We claim:

1. In tape dispensing apparatus including means for holding a supply oftape, an electric drive means adapted while energized by an electricalsource of power to feed tape from said supply, and an electricallyactuated cutter adapted when actuated to sever a length of tape fromsaid supply; means for controlling the length of the tape dispensedcomprising a first electrical circuit including said drive means andadapted when closed to energize said drive means from said electricalpower source, a relay having a coil and a set of relay contacts, asecond electrical circuit including said coil and a set of electricalcontacts and a source of DC. power adapted to be energized concurrentlywith the energization of said first circuit, a third electrical circuitincluding said relay contacts and said cutter and adapted to beenergized upon said relay coil becoming deenergized, and a capacitor i VT? shunt-connected across said relay coil whereby upon opening saidelectrical contacts said drive means and said second electrical circuitare first deenergized and thereafter said cutter is actuated following adelay which is a function of thedischarge rate of said capacitor.

2. In tape dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 1; a switchmechanically linked to said cutter and adapted to be actuated when saidcutter is energized thereby to open said third electrical circuit andthus deactuate said cutter.

3. in tape dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim ll; said set ofelectrical contacts being contacts of a relay responsive to theelectrical conduction of a grid-controlled gas rectifier tube wherebyupon conduction of said tube said first and second circuits aredeenergized.

4. In tape dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim it; said set ofelectrical contacts being contacts of a manually operable switch, saidswitch being commonly connected in said first and second electricalcircuits whereby on opening said switch contacts said first and secondcircuits are deenergized.

Y 5. In tape dispensing apparatus including means for holding a supplyof tape, an electric drive means adapted while energized by anelectrical source of power to feed tape from said supply,and anelectrically actuated cutter adapted when actuated to sever a length oftape from said supply; means for controlling the lengtn of the tape dispensed comprising a first electrical circuit including said drive meansand a set of electrical contacts of a manually controlled switch adaptedwhen closed to energize said drive means from said electrical powersource, a relay having a coil and a set of relay contacts, a secondelectrical circuit including said coil and said set of electricalcontacts and a source or" DC. power adapted to be energized concurrentlywith the energization of said drive means by the closing of saidelectrical contacts, a third electrical circuit including said relaycontacts and said cutter and adapted to be energized upon said relaycoil becoming deenergized, and a capacitor shunt-connected across saidrelay coil whereby tape is dispensed while said electrical contacts areclosed and upon opening said electrical contacts said drive means andsaid second electrical circuit are first deenergized and thereafter saidcutter is actuated following a delay which is a function of thedischarge rate ofsaid capacitor.

6. ln tape dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 5; a switchmechanically linked to said cutter and adapted to be opened when saidcutter is actuated whereby said third electrical circuit is deenergizedand the cutter is deactuated.

'7. ln tape dispensing apparatus including means for holding a supply oftape, and an electric drive means adapted while energized with anelectrical source of power to feed tape from said supply; means forcontrolling the length of the tape dispensed comprising a firstelectrical circuit including said drive means and a first set ofelectrical contacts adapted when actuated to energize said drive meansfrom said electrical power source, a relay having a coil and a set ofcontacts, said relay contacts also being connected in said firstelectrical circuit, a gridcontrolied gas rectifier tube having an anodeand a cathode, a second electrical circuit including said relay coil andthe anode-cathode circuit of said rectifier tube, a third electricalcircuit including the grid-cathode circuit of said tube and a variableresistance series-connected with a capacitor across a source of DC.power, said third circuit further including a second set of electricalcontacts adapted when closed to complete said circuit and charge saidcapacitor from said DC. power source, whereby after a predetermined timewhich is a function of the parameters of said capacitor and resistancethe tube will conduct and open said relay contacts thereby deenergizingsaid drive means; a second variable resistance and a set of transfercontacts also associated with said third circuit whereby upon actuataionof said transfer contacts said second variable resistance isseries-connected with said capacitor in place of said first variableresistor and said drive means is actuated for a second predeterminedlength of time which is a function of the parameters of the capacitorand said second resistance; first and second manually operable switches,said first switch adapted to energize said first circuit and eiiectconnection of said first resistance in said third circuit, said secondswitch also adapted to energize said first circuit but to effectconnection of said second resistance in said third circuit, whereby uponactuation of said first switch a first predetermined length of tape isdispensed and upon actuation of said second switch a secondpredetermined length of tape is dispensed; an electrically actuatedcutter adapted when actuated to sever a length of tape from said supply;a second relay having a coil and a set of relay contacts; a fourthelectrical circuit including said coil and the first set of electricalcontacts and a second source of DC. power adapted to be energizedconcurrently with the energization of said drive means by the closing ofsaid first set of electrical contacts; a fifth electrical circuitincluding said second set of relay contacts and said cutter and adaptedto be energized upon said second relay coil becoming deenergized; and asecond capacitor shunt-connected across said second relay coil wherebysaid cutter is actuated to sever each length of tape dispensed followinga delay which is a function of the discharge rate of said capacitor.

8. ln tape dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim I; a switchmechanically linked to said cutter and adapted to be opened when saidcutter is actuated whereby said fifth electrical circuit is deenergizedand the cutter is deactuated.

9. In tape dispensing apparatus including means for holding a supply oftape, and an electric drive means adapted while energized to feed tapefrom said supply; means for controlling the length of tape dispensedcornprising a first relay having a coil and a set of contacts, firstmeans interconnecting the contacts of said first relay and said drivemeans and adapted in response to the energization of the coil of saidfirst relay to energize said drive means for a first preselected periodof time, a first switch adapted when actuated to energize the coil ofsaid first relay, said first means including a first variable resistancethe setting of which determines said first preselected period of time, asecond relay having a coil and a set of contacts, second meansinterconnecting the contacts of said first relay and the contacts ofsaid second relay with said drive means and adapted in response to theenergization of the coils of both of said relays to energize said drivemeans for a second preselected period of time, a second switch adaptedwhen actuated to energize the coils of both of said relays, said secondmeans including a second variable resistance the setting of whichdetermines said second preselected period of time whereby when saidfirst switch is actuated the coil of said first relay is energized andsaid drive means is energized for said first preselected period of timeto dispense a first length of tape and when said second switch isactuated the coils of both of said relays are energized and said drivemeans is energized for said second preselected period of time todispense a second length of tape; a third means interconnected with saidfirst and second relays and effective when said first variableresistance is set to a maximum and said second variable resistance isset to a minimum for causing said drive means to be energized when saidfirst switch is actuated and for causing said drive means to bedeenergized when said second switch is actu ated whereby random lengthsof tape may be dispensed, the lengths of which depending upon the timedelay between actuation of said first and second switches; anelectrically actuated cutter adapted when energized to sever a length oftape from said supply; a third relay adapted when deenergized to causeenergization of said cutter; means for energizing said third relay uponactuating of either of said switches; means responsive to demergizationof said drive means for causing deenergization of said third relay; andmeans including a capacitor for delaying deenergization of said thirdrelay after deenergization of said drive means whereby said cutter isenergized after a predetermined delay after deenergization of said drivemeans.

10. In tape dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 9; a switchmechanically linked to said cutter and adapted to be actuated when saidcutter is energized thereby to deenergize said cutter.

r 10 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,567,65512/25 Krueger 118-41 1,987,197 1/35 Krueger et al 11841 2,053,223 9/36Meisel 118-124 2,408,363 10/46 Beckman et al. 83243 2,849,067 8/58Krueger 83-241 2,892,500 6/59 Le Baron et al. 83246 12/59 Zernov 118-124ANDREW R. JUHASZ, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD D. NEVIUS, HUNTER C. BOURNE, JR.,

WILLIAM W. DYER, JR., Examiners.

1. IN TAPE DISPENSING APPARATUS INCLUDING MEANS FOR HOLDING A SUPPLY OFTAPE, AN ELECTRIC DRIVE MEAN ADAPTED WHILE ENERGIZED BY AN ELECTRICALSOURCE OF POWER TO FEED TAPE FROM SAID SUPPLY, AND AN ELECTRICALLYACTUATED CUTTER ADAPTED WHEN ACTUATED TO SEVER A LENGTH OF TAPE FROMSAID SUPPLY; MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE LENGTH OF THE TAPE DISPENSEDCOMPRISING FIRST ELECTRICAL CURCUIT INCLUDING SAID DRIVE MEANS ANDADAPTED WHEN CLOSED TO ENERGIZE SAID DRIVE MEANS FROM SAID ELECTRICALPOWER SOURCE, A RELAY HAVING A COIL AND A SET OF RELAY CONTACTS, ASECOND ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT INCLUDING SAID COIL AND A SET ELECTRICALCONTACTS AND A SOURCE OF D.C. POWER ADAPTED TO BE ENERGIZED CONCURRENTLYWITH ENERGIZATION OF SAID FIRST CIRCUIT, A THIRD ELECTRICAL CIRCUITINCLUDING SAID RELAY CONTACTS AND SAID CUTTER AND ADAPTED TO BEENERGIZED UPON SAID RELAY COIL BECOMING DEENERGIZED, AND A CAPACITORSHUNT-CONNECTED ACROSS SAID RELAY COIL WHEREBY UPON OPENING SAIDELECTRICAL CONTACTS SAID DRIVE MEANS AND SAID SECOND ELECTRICAL CIRCUITARE FIRST DEENERGIZED AND THEREAFTER SAID CUTTER IS ACTUATED FOLLOWIN ADELAY WHICH IS A FUNCTION OF THE DISCHARGE RATE OF SAID CAPACITOR.